I’m catching up with queer MPs now that the House is back, and I chatted with Liberal MP Mario Silva after question period today.
Q: How did your break go?
A: It went relatively well. During the Christmas break, there was obviously plenty of things happening in the riding and a lot of events to go to, so that took up a lot of my time. In the new year, we had our caucus meeting, so there were a lot of activities taking place.
Q: What are you looking forward to most in the spring session?
A: Hopefully this talk of an election can be sidestepped by more important issues. We have to deal with the economy and jobs that people are very much concerned about. We have to have a government that is willing to cooperate with us, and right now we have a government that does not want to cooperate. That’s creating a lot of problems and tensions. I think we’ll have to wait and see what the budget will be and whether it will deliver for Canadians or not.
Q: Any date on when we’ll see that report from the Anti-Semitism Committee?
A: I don’t have a date because we’re still working on the report. I don’t know how long we’ll be; I’m hoping by March. My hope is to have it out as soon as possible, but the writing is taking a long time.
Q: What’s your thought as to whether or not we’re going to have an election?
A: I don’t know. I think it’s 50/50. I think there’s probably debate going back and forth as to whether to have an election or not, but you require all three parties to vote the government out. Our party is prepared to say no to this government’s proposal, and we’re ready for an election when that time comes. At the same time, we also want to work cooperatively and do the best we can for Canadians.
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